Philadelphia School District plans to close 29 instead of 37 public schools

The Philadelphia Public School District plans to close 29 schools instead of 37.

The district announced today revised recommendations that call for the closure of 29 buildings, including 15 elementary schools, five middle schools, nine high schools and one lease termination, according to a news release.

Ten schools that evaded the chopping block include Cooke, Duckrey, Gompers, Meade, Morris, McMichael and Overbrook elementary schools; Alternative For Middle Years at James Martin School; Lankenau and Strawberry Mansion high schools.

McCloskey Elementary School will also stay and become a K-8 school.

M.H. Stanton elementary school and Beeber middle school will close will be considered for closure at a later date.

The district said it will need to change a number of grade configurations in coordination with the 29 closures.

“Although I wish we could have avoided closing any school, I do believe that the amended recommendations address the concerns from many parents, students and residents," Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said in the release.

The reduction of proposed closings would result in a lower amount of savings. The district now projects it will save approximately $24.5 million annually.

The School Reform Commission, which is the governing body of the school district and is based in Harrisburg, will hold a public hearing on all building and program closures on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The hearings will be held at the School District of Philadelphia Education Center at 440 N. Broad Street.